Rigid firearm target and method of manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

A firearm target includes a rigid paperboard substrate. A first ink layer is printed on the substrate. A second ink layer is printed on the first ink layer. The second ink layer at least partially defines a target image. The first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer. The second opening is larger than the first opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/291,297, filed Feb. 4, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of firearm targets.

BACKGROUND

Firearm targets are used by individuals (e.g., military personnel, law enforcement officers, hunters, competitive and recreational shooters, etc.) for practice and competition. Firearm targets may be made of paper, steel, “self-healing” rubber, and other materials. Paper firearm targets conventionally include a target image printed onto a paper substrate. The target image may include a bullseye at the center of the target, and a series of concentric rings extending from the bullseye.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments relate to firearm targets. An example firearm target includes a rigid paperboard substrate. A first ink layer is printed on the rigid paperboard substrate. A second ink layer is printed on the first ink layer. The second ink layer at least partially defines a target image. The first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer. The second opening is larger than the first opening.

Various other embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a firearm target. An example method includes providing rigid paperboard substrate. A first ink layer is printed on the rigid paperboard substrate. A second ink layer is printed on the first ink layer. The second ink layer at least partially defines a target image. The first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer. The second opening is larger than the first opening.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a firearm target, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the firearm target of FIG. 1A, taken along line 1B-1B.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a firearm target, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a firearm target, according to an embodiment.

It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Firearm targets are attached to a target holder or target carrier prior to their use. Target holders may be made of cardboard, wood, or other rigid materials. The target may be clipped, taped, or otherwise adhered to the target holder. In some implementations, targets include an adhesive backing to attach the target to the target holder. One challenge associated with using paper targets is that the target holders become damaged due to repeated shooting. Accordingly, it may be difficult or impossible to attach a target to a holder after the holder has been used several times. In addition, wind in outdoor environments may blow the target off of the target holder.

Another challenge associated with conventional targets is that it may be difficult for shooters to see bullet holes from a distance. This is especially problematic for dark shooting environments and for small caliber rounds. Accordingly, shooters may have to walk downrange to inspect the bullet holes at a close distance. This is undesirable for several reasons, including delayed feedback and potential safety concerns. For example, it may be difficult to sight-in a firearm if a shooter must walk downrange or use binoculars to identify his or her shots.

Some firearm targets, which may be referred to as “reactive targets,” allow shooters to easily identify bullet holes. Reactive targets may include two colored layers. The second (e.g., outer) layer may be configured such that an impact of a projectile causes a portion of the second layer adjacent the impact to detach from the target, thereby exposing a portion of the first layer. The first and second layers may be different colors, such that the contrast in colors allows a shooter to easily see the impact. Reactive targets are conventionally printed on paper rolls and subsequently cut to size. The non-rigid paper targets must therefore be attached to a target holder prior to use.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rigid firearm targets. According to various embodiments, the firearm targets are structured to visually indicate projectile impact under both normal and low-light levels. The firearm targets include a rigid paperboard substrate. A first ink layer is printed onto the rigid paperboard substrate. A second ink layer is screenprinted onto the first ink layer. The second ink layer at least partially defines a target image. The first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a larger opening in the second ink layer relative to the first layer. Accordingly, a portion of the first ink layer is exposed adjacent the point of impact. This allows shooters to improve their skills by quickly being able to compare their aiming point to the actual point of impact on the target.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide several technical advantages over conventional firearm targets. For example, the instant firearm targets, according to various embodiments, are printed onto rigid paperboard substrates rather than conventional non-rigid paper substrates. Accordingly, the firearm targets may be used without conventional target holders. Therefore, the firearm targets may be used in windy conditions without concern of the firearm targets blowing off of the target holders. In contrast to conventional targets which are printed on rolls of thin paper, the embodiments provided herein permit a direct printing (via screenprinting) on the thicker paperboard medium, eliminating the need or use of the inner paper and eliminating a step in manufacturing (of applying the printed paper to the paperboard).

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a firearm target 100, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the firearm target 100 of FIG. 1A, taken along line 1B-1B. The firearm target 100 includes a substrate 102, a first ink layer 104 disposed on the substrate 102, and a second ink layer 106 disposed on the first ink layer 104. Unlike conventional firearm targets, the firearm target 100 does not include a paper substrate between the first ink layer 104 and the substrate 102. In other words, the first ink layer 104 is not first printed onto a paper substrate, which is subsequently attached to the rigid substrate 102. Instead, the first ink layer 104 is printed directly onto the rigid substrate 102. Conventional commercial printers are structured to print onto non-rigid (e.g., paper) substrates, which is one reason why conventional firearm targets are printed onto such substrates. In contrast, according to various embodiments, the structure of the firearm target 100 and the methods of manufacturing the same enable the first and second ink layers 104, 106 of the firearm target to be printed directly onto the rigid substrate 102. As described above, this provides several technical advantages over conventional firearm targets, such as eliminating the need or use of the inner paper and eliminating a step in manufacturing (of applying the printed paper to the rigid substrate).

The first ink layer 104 may cover some or all of the substrate 102. In particular embodiments, a thickness of the substrate 102 is between 0.024 and 0.048 inches (inclusive). In some embodiments, the first ink layer 104 is formed using any of various printing techniques. In some embodiments, the first ink layer 104 is integral with the substrate 102. For example, the first ink layer 104 may be the underlying color of the substrate 102.

According to various embodiments, the second ink layer 106 is screenprinted on the substrate 102 over the first ink layer 104. Screenprinting is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed.

In some embodiments, the second ink layer 106 is arranged so as to form a target image. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the second ink layer 106 includes a plurality of concentric rings 108. The concentric rings 108 are separated by gaps 110. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, the concentric rings 108 have a first width 112 and the gaps 110 have a second width 114 smaller than the first width 112. The concentric rings 108 also define numbers 116. For example, the numbers 116 may relate to scores associated with shots that land in the respective rings. In one embodiment, the second ink layer 106 includes voids 118 that define the gaps 110 and the numbers 116. The voids 118 represent areas in which the second ink layer 106 is not printed. Accordingly, the first ink layer 104 is visible through the voids 118 so as to define the gaps 110 and the numbers 116. In one embodiment, a screen (not shown) includes a blocking stencil to form the voids 118 when the second ink layer 106 is screenprinted. In some embodiments, the second ink layer 106 is formed using an ink that is configured to provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. In particular embodiments, a total (combined) thickness of the first ink layer 104 and the second ink layer 106 is between 0.007 and 0.013 inches (inclusive).

The first and second ink layers 104, 106 may be formed using different types of ink. In one embodiment, the first ink layer 104 is formed using a standard ink. More specifically, the first ink layer 104 may be formed using an ink that does not detach from the substrate 102 upon being impacted by a projectile. The second ink layer 106 may be formed using a particular type of ink that is structured to detach from the first ink layer 104 upon being impacted by a projectile. In other words, the first and second ink layers 104, 106 are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers 104, 106 produces a larger opening in the second ink layer 106 relative to the first ink layer 104. Accordingly, a portion of the first ink layer 104 is exposed adjacent the point of impact.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the firearm target 100 includes a projectile hole 120. The projectile hole 120 is representative of a hole formed by a projectile that impacted the firearm target 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the impact of the projectile produced an opening 122 in the second ink layer 106 adjacent the projectile hole 120. The opening 122 in the second layer 106 is larger than the projectile hole 120, which extends through both the first and second ink layers 104, 106. Accordingly, a portion of the first ink layer 104 is visible adjacent the projectile hole 120. The contrasting colors of the first and second ink layers 104, 106, visible because of the opening 122, allow shooters to easily see the location of their shot, even from a substantial distance.

In one embodiment, the second ink layer 106 is formed using a “scratch-off” ink. The scratch-off ink is structured to detach from a substrate (e.g., the first ink layer 104 printed onto the substrate 102) when subjected to physical abrasion. Similar types of scratch-off inks are conventionally used on lottery scratch-off tickets and other surfaces in which an outer opaque layer may be removed to display an image printed on the substrate (e.g., card). In one embodiment, the second ink layer 106 is formed using an ink that includes each of Stoddard solvent, talc, aluminum, and crystalline silica (cristobalite).

In one embodiment, the second ink layer 106 includes a luminescent substance. In other words, the second ink layer 106 may be structured to emit visible light through fluorescence, phosphorescence, radioluminescence, etc. Colloquially, this type of ink may be referred to as “glow in the dark” ink. In some embodiments, the first ink layer 104, in addition to or instead of the second ink layer 106, includes components that exhibit luminescence. In such embodiments, the firearm target 100 exhibits improved visibility over conventional firearm targets in low light conditions and indoor shooting ranges.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a firearm target 200, according to another example embodiment. The firearm target 200 of FIG. 2 includes a first target image 202, second target images 204, and a plurality of circles 206. The first and second target images 202, 204 may include concentric rings and numbers, generally similar to those of the firearm target 100 of FIG. 1A. It should be understood that the firearm targets, in accordance with various embodiments, may include any number of target images or other objects. In addition, the firearm targets may be formed in different shapes, such as a human silhouette or any of various types of animals.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 of manufacturing a firearm target, according to an embodiment. For example, the method 300 may be utilized to manufacture the firearm targets 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A-2. However, the method 300 is not limited to these embodiments.

At 302, a rigid paperboard substrate is provided. The rigid paperboard substrate may be cardboard or another type of paperboard. In some embodiments, the substrate is formed of other materials, such as foam core. In some embodiments, the substrate is formed of a composite material.

At 304, a first ink layer is printed on the substrate. The first ink layer may partially or completely cover the substrate. In one embodiment, the first ink layer is formed using an ink that does not detach from the substrate upon being impacted by a projectile. In some embodiments, the first ink layer is applied to the substrate in other ways. For example, in one embodiment, the first ink layer is formed integrally with the substrate.

At 306, a second ink layer is screenprinted on the first ink layer. The second ink layer at least partially defines a target image. In one embodiment, the second ink layer is formed using a particular type of ink that is structured to detach from the first ink layer upon being impacted by a projectile. The first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer. The second opening is larger than the first opening.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that various features are described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided unless otherwise noted. Accordingly, insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. Additionally, it is noted that limitations in the claims should not be interpreted as constituting “means plus function” limitations under the United States patent laws in the event that the term “means” is not used therein.

The terms “coupled” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary and implementations lacking the various features may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm target, comprising: a rigid paperboard substrate; a first ink layer printed on the rigid paperboard substrate; and a second ink layer printed on the first ink layer, the second ink layer at least partially defining a target image, wherein the first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer, the second opening being larger than the first opening.
 2. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein printing of the second ink layer on the first ink layer is performed using a screenprinting process.
 3. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein the second ink layer includes a luminescent substance.
 4. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein the first ink layer includes a luminescent substance.
 5. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the rigid paperboard substrate is between 0.024 and 0.048 inches inclusive.
 6. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein a combined thickness of the first and second ink layers is between 0.007 and 0.013 inches inclusive.
 7. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein the firearm target does not include a paper substrate between the first ink layer and the rigid paperboard substrate.
 8. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein the first ink layer is integral with the substrate as an underlying color of the substrate.
 9. The firearm target of claim 1, wherein the second ink layer is formed using a scratch-off ink that is structured to detach from the first ink layer when subjected to physical abrasion.
 10. The firearm target of claim 9, wherein the scratch-off ink includes each of Stoddard solvent, talc, aluminum, and crystalline silica.
 11. A method of manufacturing a firearm target, the method comprising: providing rigid paperboard substrate; printing a first ink layer on the rigid paperboard substrate; and printing a second ink layer on the first ink layer, the second ink layer at least partially defining a target image, wherein the first and second ink layers are structured such that an impact from a firearm projectile through each of the first and second ink layers produces a first opening in the first ink layer and a second opening in the second ink layer, the second opening being larger than the first opening.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein printing of the second ink layer on the first ink layer is performed using a screenprinting process.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second ink layer includes a luminescent substance.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first ink layer includes a luminescent substance.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein a thickness of the rigid paperboard substrate is between 0.024 and 0.048 inches.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein a combined thickness of the first and second ink layers is between 0.007 and 0.013 inches inclusive.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the firearm target does not include a paper substrate between the first ink layer and the rigid paperboard substrate.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the first ink layer is integral with the substrate as an underlying color of the substrate.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the second ink layer is formed using a scratch-off ink that is structured to detach from the first ink layer when subjected to physical abrasion.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the scratch-off ink includes each of Stoddard solvent, talc, aluminum, and crystalline silica. 